‘The Situation is Dire’: War on Iran Squeezes India's Cooking-Gas Supplies.

The shockwaves of a conflict being fought nearly 3,000km away are now reaching India's households.

As military actions on Iran impede energy deliveries through the Strait of Hormuz, availability of cooking gas are shrinking across India, pushing restaurants to shorten food lists, reduce operating times and in some cases cease operations entirely.

Social media is awash with video clips showing crowds outside fuel suppliers across Indian metros and localities as worries over fuel supplies spread. Businesses appear the most affected: the most severe shortage is in restaurant kitchens.

"Conditions are critical. Kitchen fuel simply is unavailable," says a spokesperson of the National Restaurant Association of India.

Most food outlets run either on industrial fuel canisters or direct gas lines, and the lack of supply are now being felt across the country. "Numerous restaurants have ceased operations - some in the capital, many in the southern region. People are turning to traditional burners and electric cookers to keep food preparation going."

Localized Effects

In Mumbai, media reports say up to a 20% of eateries are already operating at reduced capacity as business fuel stocks dwindle. In the southern cities of Bengaluru and Chennai, some eateries say their fuel reserves have depleted with minimal reserves. "Our menu is reduced to coffee and no food items - it is truly dismal. Commerce will take a hit," says a restaurant owner in Bengaluru.

Restaurant owners are seeking alternatives. "Food options are being cut, some are skipping midday meals and opening only for dinner," an industry representative says, adding that shutdowns are changing as supplies ebb and flow. "A number of eateries in Delhi were shut yesterday - some have resumed operations. It's a dynamic scenario."

Retailers observe a surge in sales of induction stoves, with some saying they are running out of them.

Official Position

Yet, the government insists there is no shortage.

India has more than 300 million household consumers and authorities say stocks are being redirected to households as conflict-related stress from the regional hostilities impact energy markets.

About six out of ten of India's LPG is sourced from abroad, and about nine out of ten of those shipments pass through the Strait of Hormuz, the vital passage now significantly disrupted by the hostilities.

The petroleum ministry says that it ordered refineries to maximise LPG output for home needs, lifting domestic production by about a quarter. Non-domestic supply is being prioritised for vital industries such as healthcare and education, while distribution will be "equitable and clear".

"Unnecessary hoarding and stockpiling has been caused by rumors. The standard supply timeline for home fuel remains about under three days," says a government spokesperson.

Growing Panic

Now the anxiety is extending beyond kitchens. On social media, a widely shared video from Chennai shows a extended procession of scooters outside a petrol pump. "Anxiety is palpable," the description reads.

According to reports from market experts, concerns about India's broader petroleum stocks may be exaggerated.

India imports the overwhelming majority of its petroleum. Around a significant portion of its oil purchases - about 2.5-2.7 million barrels a day - travel through the strait, largely from Gulf countries.

Even if crude flows through the Strait of Hormuz are disrupted, the deficit could be partly offset by higher imports of discounted Russian crude, according to a industry commentator.

Based on maritime intelligence and expert analysis, increased Russian crude imports could reach around a significant volume of barrels a day, lessening India's effective deficit from exposure to the Strait of Hormuz to about a substantial volume of barrels a day.

"Around 25-30 million Russian oil barrels are currently floating on ships in the Indian Ocean and, with only key buyers as major buyers, those barrels remain a available backup," an analyst noted.

Cooking Gas: The Critical Weakness

The primary concern is cooking gas, analysts say.

India consumes roughly 1 million barrels a day, but produces only a minority share domestically, importing the rest - most of it through the Strait.

Refineries can modify output to produce a bit more LPG, but even a limited rise would only lift domestic supply to about 47-50% of demand, leaving the country heavily reliant on imports.

In short: "Crude supply risk can be somewhat alleviated through alternative sourcing. Fuel availability remains relatively comfortable. Cooking gas supply is the key factor to watch in the coming weeks."

What may be worsening the concern on the ground is not just tight supply but erratic supply chains - and the familiar spectre of stockpiling.

An industry representative states price gouging.

"Distributors are misusing the situation - black-marketing cylinders and selling them at a high cost. In one small town, I heard of cylinders being stockpiled and sold at a premium."

For now, India's petroleum stocks may be protected by worldwide shipping. But in kitchens across the country, the more urgent issue is simple: how to get the next gas canister.